Cycling: Wiggins to lead Sky on Tour

Wiggins was one of three Britons included in the Team Sky squad (GETTY IMAGES)

Bradley Wiggins was yesterday confirmed as Team Sky's leader for the Tour de France, which begins in Rotterdam on 3 July.

Wiggins, who is aiming to improve on his fourth-placed finish from 2009, was one of three Britons included in the squad, alongside the Welshman Geraint Thomas and Steve Cummings.

Also named in the nine-man squad were Edvald Boasson Hagen, Juan Antonio Flecha, Michael Barry, Serge Pauwels, Simon Gerrans and Thomas Lofkvist.

Thomas was the youngest rider in the race when he made his Tour debut in 2007 and, although he has not competed in cycling's biggest event before, Cummings is a veteran of Lance Armstrong's Discovery team and two Giro d'Italia campaigns.

Team principal Dave Brailsford said: "There's a great mix in this line-up for our Tour de France debut.

"It's great that we have three British riders in there, all on merit. And we have a blend of Tour experience and young talent that will help us to perform this year and continue to develop."